Harry Potter star signs up to Thames Hospice cycle fundraiser

Thames Hospice is thrilled to announce that James Phelps, best known as Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter films, has signed up to take on its Big Mountain Challenge road biking event in the French Alps, to help raise funds for the new hospice.

Participants can ride alongside James as well as pro cyclists from international teams, to conquer iconic Tour De France climbs, benefiting from professional standard mechanical support and welfare. Riders will ascend the equivalent of Mt Kilimanjaro at 5895m or for more advanced cyclists, the height of Mt Everest at 8848m over 3.5 days. For a gentler pace, the Matterhorn route offers a climb in the morning with a descent in the afternoon. The route includes some of the most iconic and scenic mountain climbs in Europe.

The event is run in conjunction with some of the best names in cycling, including Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle, Mavic, Mountain Drop-Offs, Vitus, HIGH5 and dhb. Every detail has been thought of to guarantee the highest standards at excellent value; approximately 70% of the costs of the trip are subsidised by our sponsors.

James commented: “I’ve known Thames Hospice for several years and have always admired the incredible support they offer their patients and families. When I heard about the new hospice build, I was delighted to do my bit to support it. If you’re into cycling, Harry Potter, or both, we invite you to join us for a stunning long weekend in the Alps.”

Jason Bevan, a film marketing executive and Thames Hospice Ambassador is fronting the event. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to have James on board. We have a wide range of abilities taking part from international pros and national squad members to weekend cyclists like James. At £395 per rider including hotel, it’s a superb deal thanks to all our sponsors. As well as being an exceptional experience in the mountains, we are all there to ensure it’s great fun.”

All sponsorship money from the event will go towards the building of the charity’s new hospice. Thames Hospice need to raise a further £3million to contribute towards a £22million new build which will offer increased services in a state-of-the-art facility to ensure every local patient and family member who needs support can receive it.